Transfer RNA genes ofZea mays chloroplast DNA

A minimum of 37 genes corresponding to tRNAs for 17 different amino acids have been localized on the restriction endonuclease cleavage site map of theZea mays chloroplast DNA molecule. Of these, 14 genes corresponding to tRNAs for 11 amino acids are located in the larger of the two single-copy regions which separate the two inverted copies of the repeat region. One tRNA gene is in the smaller single-copy region. Each copy of the large repeated sequence contains, in addition to the ribosomal RNA genes, 11 tRNA genes corresponding to tRNAs for 8 amino acids. The genes for tRNA2 (Ile) and tRNA(Ala) map in the ribosomal spacer sequence separating the 16S and 23S ribosomal RNA genes. The three isoaccepting species for the tRNAs(Leu) and the three for tRNAs(Ser), as well as the two isoaccepting species for tRNA(Asn), tRNA(Gly), tRNAs(Ile), tRNAs(Met), tRNAs(Thr), are shown to be encoded at different loci.Two independent methods have been used for the localization of tRNA genes on the physical map of the maize chloroplast DNA molecule: (a) cloned chloroplast DNA fragments were hybridized with radioactively-labelled total 4S RNAs, the hybridized RNAs were then eluted, and identified by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and (b) individual tRNAs were(32)P-labelledin vitro and hybridized to DNA fragments generated by digestion of maize chloroplast DNA with various restriction endonucleases.

The anticodon of the maize chloroplast gene for tRNA Leu UAA is split by a large intron

The maize chloroplast gene encoding tRNA Leu UAA has been sequenced. It contains a 458 base pair intron between the first and second bases of the anticodon. The tRNA is 88 nucleotides long (the 3'-terminal CCA sequence included which, however, is not encoded by the gene) and differs in only four nucleotides (modified nucleotides are not considered) from the corresponding isoacceptor from bean chloroplasts. The unusual position of the intron in this maize chloroplast tRNA gene suggests a splicing model different from that generally accepted for eukaryotic split tRNA genes.

Apolipoprotein AIMarburg: studies on two kindreds with a mutant of human apolipoprotein AI

Three probands heterozygous for a mutant of apolipoprotein AI (apo AIMarburg, Utermann et al. 1982a) were detected by screening of 2282 unrelated individuals resulting an a frequency estimate of about 1/750 in the German population. All three probands with apo AIMarburg had hypertriglyceridemia (triglyceride above 250 mg/dl) and subnormal HDL-cholesterol (below 30 mg/dl), but no other lipoprotein abnormalities. The kindreds of two probands with AIMarburg were studied. The family data are consistent with an autosomal codominant inheritance of the trait. A total of 16 heterozygous blood relatives with the mutant AIMarburg were detected in these kindreds. Analysis of the plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels in relation to the apo AI phenotype was complicated by the high prevalence of diabetes mellitus and thyroid disease in one kindred and of hyperlipidemia in both kindreds. No consistent relationship between plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels, and the mutant apo AI could be demonstrated. Instead the mutant apo AI and the dyslipoproteinemia seem to co-exist independently in these kindreds. Three sibs with the homozygous apo E-2/2 phenotype were detected in one kindred, and all three sibs had subnormal LDL-cholesterol and beta-VLDL, e.g., the lipoprotein abnormality characterizing primary dysbetalipoproteinemia. Genetic apo E phenotypes and the apo AI mutant segregated independently, indicating that the structural gene loci for apo E and apo AI are not closely linked.

Hybridization of bean, spinach, maize and Euglena chloroplast transfer RNAs with homologous and heterologous chloroplast DNAs. An approach to the study of homology between chloroplast tRNAs from various species

Chloroplast tRNAs from two dicotyledons (spinach and bean), a monocotyledon (maize) and a green alga (Euglena) have been fractionated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The individual tRNAs have been identified, albeled with 125I or 32P, and used in tRNA-DNA hybridization experiments. Spinach chloroplast tRNAs hybridize as well, and maize chloroplast tRNAs almost as well as bean chloroplast tRNAs to bean chloroplast DNA, thus suggesting a high degree of homology between the chloroplast tRNAs from the two dicotyledons and between the tRNAs from the two dicotyledons and those of the monocotyledon. But Euglena total chloroplast tRNA hybridizes very poorly to bean chloroplast DNA, and among the 14 individual tRNAs tested, only one, Euglena chloroplast tRNAPhe, hybridizes to both maize and bean chloroplast DNAs, which is in good agreement with the fact that Euglena and bean chloroplast tRNAsPhe have almost identical primary structures.

The problem of the older primipara

The obstetric data relating to 98 older primiparas (OP) (0.21% of all deliveries) are compared with 100 randomly chosen older multiparas (OM) and 100 young primiparas (YP). Notable differences observed were a higher incidence of toxemia and a greater incidence of uterine myomata in the OP group. No difference was seen in the incidences of diabetes, cardiac disease, and essential hypertension. There was a greater number of preterm deliveries. The frequencies of induction of labor, vacuum extraction, and cesarean section were much greater in the OP group. No difference in postnatal course was detected among the 3 groups. No significant increase in perinatal morbidity was observed, but the incidences of prematurity and perinatal mortality were higher. It seems that the attending obstetrician is much quicker to decide to terminate pregnancy or labor ithe OP group. Except for the need for special attention to prematurity and perinatal mortality, the OP group is not at high risk.

Fractionation and identification of spinach chloroplast transfer RNAs and mapping of their genes on the restriction map of chloroplast DNA

Spinach chloroplast 4S RNAs has been separated by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis into about 35 species. After extraction from the gel, 27 of these RNA species were identified by aminoacylation as tRNAs specific for 16 amino acids. Individual tRNAs were labeled in vitro with 125I and hybridized to DNA fragments obtained by digestion of spinach chloroplast DNA with KpnI, PstI, SalI and XmaI restriction endonucleases. A minimum of 21 genes corresponding to tRNAs for 14 different amino acids have been localized on the restriction endonuclease cleavage site map of the DNA molecule. Of these, 15 genes corresponding to tRNAs for 12 amino acids are located in the larger of the two single-copy regions which separate the two inverted copies of the repeat region. Each copy of this repeat region contains a set of genes for the ribosomal RNAs and a gene for tRNA2Ile in the "spacer" sequence between the 16S and 23S ribosomal RNAs. The genes for tRNA1Ile, tRNA2Leu and tRNA3Leu also map in the repeat region, but outside the ribosomal DNA unit. At present, two more chloroplast tRNAs (for Pro and Lys) have been identified, but not mapped, while 4 unidentified 4S RNAs have been mapped in the large single-copy region of the DNA molecule. Evidence is presented that isoaccepting tRNA species can be transcripts from different loci.

Polymorphism of apolipoprotein E. III. Effect of a single polymorphic gene locus on plasma lipid levels in man

The two autosomal codominant alleles of the Apo E-N/D polymorphism, Apo En and Apo Ed, have a considerable influence on plasma lipid levels and distribution in man. Serum cholesterol levels are highest in phenotype Apo E-N, intermediate in phenotype Apo E-ND, and low in phenotype Apo E-D. Contrary VLDL-cholesterol is highest in phenotype Apo E-D, intermediate in heterozygotes, and lowest in phenotype Apo E-N. Serum-triglyceride, VLDL-triglyceride and the ratio of VLDL-cholesterol/serum-triglyceride are also intermediate in phenotype Apo E-ND between the two opposite homozygous groups. 10% of heterozygous Apo E-ND subjects exhibited a beta-VLDL subfraction compared to 0.8% in phenotype Apo E-N and 100% in Apo E-D. Hence the three phenotypic groups exhibit metabolic differences in vivo, and the gene Apo Ed has a mild dyslipoproteinemic effect even in a single dose. The Apo E-N/D polymorphism may therefore be a major influence on the occurrence of arteriosclerotic vascular disease in man.

Polymorphism of apolipoprotein E. II. Genetics of hyperlipoproteinemia type III

Apolipoprotein E from human serum shows a genetic polymorphism determined by two autosomal codominant alleles, Apo En and Apo Ed. Homozygosity for the gene Apo Ed (phenotype Apo E-D) results in primary dysbetalipoproteinemia, but only some individuals with this phenotype develop gross hyperlipidemia (hyperlipoproteinemia type III). Vertical transmission of dysbetalipoproteinemia represents pseudodominance due to the high frequency of the gene Apo Ed. Dysbetalipoproteinemia is already expressed in childhood. To assess the influence of other genes on the expression of hyperlipidemia in phenotype Apo E-D, comparative studies were carried out in kindreds of hypercholesterolemic (group A) and normo- or hypocholesterolemic probands with dysbetalipoproteinemia (group B). This demonstrated the occurrence of familial (non-type III) forms of hyperlipidemia in group A but not in group B kindreds. Distribution of lipoprotein phenotypes in five of the group A kindreds was consistent with the occurrence of familial combined hyperlipidemia. Apo E phenotypes and hyperlipidemia segregated independently. It is concluded that primary dysbetalipoproteinemia is a frequent monogenic variant of lipoprotein metabolism, but not a disease. Coincidence in one individual of genes for this specific dyslipoproteinemia with any of the genes for monogenic or polygenic forms of familial hyperlipidemia results in hyperlipoproteinemia type III. Hence hyperlipoproteinemia type III is caused by at least two non-allelic genes and is a polygenic disorder.

[A reliable orthopedic technic in the treatment of humeral diaphyseal fractures in the adult: the hanging plaster. Report of a series of 74 cases (author's transl)]

The authors treated 74 humeral shaft fractures with "hanging cast" technique. They study the benefits and difficulties of the method, compared to other orthopaedic and surgical possibilities. Stiffness of the shoulder represent the most important part of 12% bad results. There are only 3% pseudarthrosis. It is a simple and safe treatment, with appliance to most humeral shaft fractures in cooperant patients.

Polymorphism of apolipoprotein E. I. Methodological aspects and diagnosis of hyperlipoproteinemia type III without ultracentrifugation

Two methods for phenotyping apolipoprotein E are compared. One is based on preparation of VLDL by conventional ultracentrifugation, whereas the other uses heparin/Mg precipitation of VLDG. In principle, the same results were obtained by both methods. However, the group limits for the three different phenotypes Apo E-N, Apo E-ND and Apo E-D were slightly different by the two methods. Phenotype Apo E-D - the phenotype characterizing type III dyslipoproteinemia - is clearly definable by both methods. Hence the precipitation-I.E.F. method for Apo E phenotyping provides a simple tool for genetic and population genetic studies and also for the routine diagnosis of hyperlipoproteinemia type III, based on the only specific marker known for this disease.

[Surgery of bimalleolar fractures. Results of a series of 70 cases with a follow up of 3 to 8 years (author's transl)]

The authors analyse a series of 70 bimalleolar fractures treated surgically with a follow up of 3 to 8 years. The late functional and radiological result was favourable in 85.7% of cases. They were able to determine from this series a certain number of unfavourable factors on which surgery has a better influence than immobilisation: e.g. fractures with a large displacement, impaction of the roof of the mortar, open fractures. Complications were rare; in 50% they were the result of technical errors avoidable with experience. The indications are noted; the authors consider that certain fracture should be operated straight away, that others should not be operated on, and that finally, an intermediate group should first be treated by immobilisation.

Hybridization of bean chloroplast transfer RNAs to chloroplast DNA

Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) chloroplast tRNAsLeu and tRNAsPhe hybridize to chloroplast DNA, whereas the corresponding cytoplasmic tRNA species do not, suggesting that chloroplast transfer RNAs are coded for by chloroplast DNA. The hybridization of the three chloroplast tRNAsLeu or of the two tRNAsPhe isoacceptors is not additive, and the isoacceptors compete with each other in the hybridization to chloroplast DNA, suggesting that these isoacceptors are coded for by the same gene(s) and differ only in the extent of post-transcriptional modification. Although hererologous aminoacylation reactions and comparisons of base composition suggest a resemblance between chloroplast and procaryotic tRNAs, only a slight cross hybridization reaction was observed between chloroplast and Escherichia coli leucyl- or phenylalanyl-tRNAs and DNAs.

[Fractures of the lower extremity of the femur. Therapeutic indications and results of a series of 86 fractures]

The authors report 76 recent fractures of the lower femoral end. The types of fractures, the treatment and the results are analyzed. Kuntscher's close wound intramedullary nailing with reaming should be employed for transversal supra-condylar fractures and classical osteosynthesis for other cases.

Aminoacylation of tRNA-Leu species from Escherichia coli and from the cytoplasm, chloroplasts and mitochondria of Phaseolus vulgaris by homologous and heterologous enzymes

Leucyl-tRNA synthetase from Phaseolus vulgaris chloroplasts could be separated from its cytoplasmic counterpart upon chromatography on hydroxyapatite, but the cytoplasmic and mitochondrial leucyl-tRNA synthetases could not be distinguished. The tRNALeu species from the various plant cell compartments and from Escherichia coli were aminoacylated using either homologous or heterologous enzymes; the levels of aminoacylation and the profiles of the leucyl-tRNAs upon reverse-phase chromatography were studied. Cytoplasmic tRNALeu species could be aminoacylated by the cytoplasmic or by the mitochondrial enzymes and in both cases yielded two peaks upon reverse-phase chromatography (RPC-5). But they could not be charged by the chloroplast-specific or by the E. coli enzynes. Mitochondrial tRNALeu species could be charged by the mitochondrial or by the cytoplasmic enzymes and in both cases yielded four peaks upon reverse phase (RPC-5) chromatography. But they could not be aminoacylated using the chloroplast-specific or the E. coli leucyl-tRNA synthetases. Chloroplastic tRNALeu species can be divided into two classes: the first class contains four isoacceptor species which can be charged by the cytoplasmic or mitochondrial enzymes, but not by the chloroplast-specific or the E. coli enzymes; the second class contains three chloroplast-specific tRNALeu species which can be charged by the chloroplast-specific or the E. coli enzymes but not by the cytoplasmic or the mitochondrial enzymes. There are five isoacceptor tRNALeu species in E. coli; all are charged by the E. coli or the chloroplast-specific enzymes, while only one is aminoacylated by the plant cytoplasmic or mitochondrial enzymes.